A wildfire in Jefferson County forced the evacuation Thursday of people in the Deer Creek Canyon Park area, according to the sheriff’s office and firefighters.
A CodeRed alert was sent out to 284 houses in the area, directing them to evacuate via Cougar Road, not Grizzly Drive, according to a tweet from the department. The evacuation center is at Chatfield High School. Starting at 7 a.m. Friday, the evacuation location will be moved to the Ken Caryl Ranch House, 7676 S. Continental Divide, because of upcoming classes at school, the sheriff’s office said.
A second evacuation order was posted about 8:30 p.m. Thursday for Samson Road, Mill Hollow Road, Sunburst and Hunter’s Ridge as six fire agencies are fighting the blaze.
About 8:45 p.m., the fire was 13.5 acres and was being pushed northeast by winds. The second evacuation zone included 44 residences and people were told to evacuate large animals, including horses, to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
The sheriff’s department is asking people to avoid the area. Fire agencies battling the blaze include Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Evergreen Fire Rescue, West Metro Fire, South Metro Fire, North Fork Fire and Elk Creek Fire. The fire burning through steep, rugged terrain and thick forest.
The fire started about 4:45 p.m. near the mouth of Deer Creek Canyon Park near Grizzly Drive and Bear Claw Drive, according to a tweet from the department. The fire covers an area of approximately 200 feet by 200 feet.
South Valley Park, Hildebrand Ranch Park and Deer Creek Canyon Park are closed because of the fire and fire operations, according to an alert from Jefferson County.
There have been no reports of injuries or structures lost.
The is now at 13.5 acres & winds are increasing. The second evac zone includes 44 homes. Large animals will be evacuated to & aided by Animal Control & JCART
— Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco)
We are working together with & to fight the
— Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco)
The CodeRed for the was sent to 284 houses. The neighborhood to the east is being evacuated as well as the park. The evacuation center is at Chatfield High School. Please avoid the area while firefighters are fighting an active scene
— Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco)